Subaru U.S. Marketing Chief Dean Evans Leaves Company

CMO Joined in 2011

Dean Evans, who pushed Subaru of America into the world of digital marketing while its U.S. sales soared, has left after fewer than three years at the automaker.

Dean Evans

Mr. Evans will pursue "other opportunities," the automaker said in a statement today. Alan Bethke, VP-marketing, will serve as interim head of the department "until the company announces its longer-term strategy to replace Evans."

Mr. Evans, 45, joined Subaru in September 2011 and has been senior VP-chief marketing officer. He had made his mark in the industry as chief marketing officer at Dealer.com and was also e-business director for Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin when they were part of Ford Motor Co.

"I loved the Subaru experience and am honored to have been part of the team," Mr. Evans told Automotive News. "The entrepreneur in me must focus my main attention to different priorities and ventures now."

Subaru is the only brand to increase U.S. sales in each of the past six years and has recorded double-digit increases in each of the past 16 months.

Mr. Evans reported to Subaru President Tom Doll.

"We wish Dean well as he pursues other opportunities," Mr. Doll said in the statement. "Dean brought strong digital talent to Subaru and leaves behind a strong bench within his group."